Identification of Strengths and Weaknesses of Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan by Assessment of W orks in Tal Purandar, Dist Pune

Abstract

Maharashtra is the third largest state in India and nearly 58 % of population lives in the rural area which depends largely on agriculture for their livelihood. Due to various negative externalities of lack of water availability Government of Maharashtra declared a comprehensive water conservation programme named as Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan (JSA). In this study, the methodology adopted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of JSA by conducting theoretical assessment of various water conservation activities carried out under JSA in three villages in Purandar taluka in Pune district and also few works as per Shirpur pattern in Dhule district, Maharashtra, India. Firstly, it was studied to know whether various activities conducted were based on scientific and engineering principles and the effectiveness of water conservation activities carried out on the village. Secondly, the effect of local community participation in these activities was studied to suggest ways for increase in participation for enhancement in groundwater recharge in the study area. The strengths and weaknesses were identified from assessment of JSA, which include technical gaps observed in planning and actual implementation of these works. It was also seen that public awareness regarding JSA in drought affected villages was poor due to which community participation was also poor. It is concluded that these strengths and weaknesses could be used to make some changes in policy and structure of JSA to improve effectiveness of scheme and also increase local community participation for enhancement groundwater recharge and also to increase effectiveness of water conservation activities under JSA.